Brisbane Olympic stadium cultural claim rejected
The Federal government has rejected a bid to stop construction on Brisbane 2032’s Olympic stadium on cultural grounds.
Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt has confirmed an application – made under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act – at the Victoria Park site had been turned down.
Three other separate applications to stop work on the site are still being considered.
The Victoria Park site in Brisbane where the Olympic stadium is due to be built.
The specific bit rejected by the Federal government related to “drilling and drilling-related infrastructure” within the proposed site.
“In accordance with Federal cultural heritage law, I have decided not to make a declaration under section nine of the act,” Mr Watt said.
The minister has appointed an independent mediator to work with the Game’s Infrastructure Authority, and with community and Indigenous representatives.
“The purpose of the dedicated facilitator will be to avoid harm to cultural heritage, and inform any future decisions relating to the specified areas,” Mr Watt said.
An artist’s impression of the new Olympic Stadium.
“This decision follows consultation with interested parties and acknowledges the area is of particular significance to the Turrbal and Jagera people in accordance with their traditions.”
The mediator would then advise the minister on the three remaining applications.
The Save Victoria Park group said the rejection was “by no means the end of the road” for protecting the site.
Protest to go ahead
“Section 09 is designed for emergency intervention only,” the group said in a statement.
“Importantly, there are still multiple separate Section 10 applications for the long-term protection of the park being considered by the Federal government.
“These involve a different legal test and a much more detailed examination of cultural heritage. That process is still underway.”
A community protest against the 2032 development has been organised by Save Victoria Park for January 31.
